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“After the Ride,” Mineral Painted; SMOKEY STARLIGHT Soap You take care of your horse, now take care of you! Introducing my “After the Ride” horse themed gift soaps, created for horse lovers of all ages!
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“After the Ride,” Horse Themed Mineral Painted; FREE SPIRIT Soap You take care of your horse, now take care of you! Introducing my “After the Ride” horse themed gift soaps, created for horse lovers of all ages!
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“After the Ride,” Horse Themed Mineral Painted; BEST FRIENDS Soap You take care of your horse, now take care of you! Introducing my “After the Ride” horse themed gift soaps, created for horse lovers of all ages!
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“After the Ride” Horse Themed Soap: UNICORN MARE & FOAL You take care of your horse, now take care of you! Introducing my “After the Ride” horse themed gift soaps, created for horse lovers of all ages!
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“After the Ride” Horse Themed Soap: DRESSAGE hORSE & RIDER You take care of your horse, now take care of you! Introducing my “After the Ride” horse themed gift soaps, created for horse lovers of all ages!
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“After the Ride” Horse Themed Soap: JUMPING HORSE & RIDER You take care of your horse, now take care of you! Introducing my “After the Ride” horse themed gift soaps, created for horse lovers of all ages!
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“After the Ride” Horse Themed Soap – BEST FRIENDS You take care of your horse, now take care of you! Introducing my “After the Ride” horse themed gift soaps, created for horse lovers of all ages!
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“After the Ride,” Horse Themed Gift Soaps You take care of your horse, now take care of you! Introducing me "After the Ride," horse themed gift soaps, created with the busy horse lover in mind!
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The Story of Rose
The Story of Rose
The quality that first attracted me to my beloved horse Rose, was her spirit. She came to me, a five-year-old mare, a Leo horse with racing blood running through her veins. I was introduced to her one fall night, when a friend of mine wanted to ride. My current steed, a gentle, well-seasoned ex-show Quarter Horse, TJ, was suited perfectly for her riding abilities. I, on the other hand, needed a…
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Raising a Child with Special Needs, Update!
Raising a Child with Special Needs, Update!
Message from Louisa:
I thought it best to post a quick note for my friends waiting for Part Two of my series, Raising a Child with Special Needs.  I’m delving into the subject of living with ADHD and Dyslexia.  After promising to publish my article in June, I discovered it was best to stop and rethink my thoughts before posting.  I want to share my own account of living 61 years with both…
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A Traditional Carlos
Parting with a loved one
By, Louisa Cambridge
We have a tradition in our family that when someone we love leaves our home after an extended visit, we say our last farewell, with a Traditional Carlos. A Carlos is nothing more than a wave that is maintained until the car carrying our guest(s) has driven out of our sight. This tradition was established back in the 1970’s by Jeff’s brother, David.
At the time, David was an…
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The Master’s Path By, Louisa Cambridge Close the door to what haunts you, your fears from the past. A new door has opened, Eternity’s path.
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Celebrating America's Independence!
Celebrating America’s Independence!
By, Louisa Cambridge
July 4, 1776, in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a young Continental Congress officiated the United States of America, as a free and independent nation. Free from Great Britain and its king, George III. When the news reached George Washington, the commander of the Continental forces, the declaration seemed a mockery. Situated in todays New York City, Washington and…
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Summer is progressing quickly at our house. At the beginning of the month Jeff and I were in Davie, Florida where we, saw our beautiful niece marry the love of her life. This trip was also a family reunion. One that was a long time coming for me, having not sat down to enjoy and giggle over the past with my husband’s family in too many years. All of us being busy with our lives, raising children ect… We returned home with new memories and a light in our hearts. Immediately following, additional blessings came our way.
The first blessing was bringing Jeff’s Mom and Dad home with us. I wrote about them in my post entitled, “Fort Wayne, Indiana.” Mom and Dad are in their nineties now. Jeff and I are so privileged that they are staying with us for a few weeks. It is a joy to include them in our everyday life, such as driving the golf cart over to let the horses in and out.
The next day the second blessing came our way. Aldon, arrived to spend the summer with us. When Jeff (Baboo) pulled into the drive from the airport, Aldon burst through the door full of soon to be, nine-year-old energy and ran to each person distributing hugs and kisses and hordes of abundant love. He has been our joy and ambition, the fire that keeps us older folk going.
And we have been going…
Despite high temperatures hitting over one hundred degrees, we’ve managed to take care of the horses. Mostly, we brush and hose them down. I ride in the early mornings after Jeff has finished an even, earlier morning bike ride. I braid the horses manes in the summer because of the heat. Last Saturday Aldon and I rode Dude. Afterward we let him graze around us while we sat in the shade, enjoying a Kool Pop. Our barn keeps Kool Pops in the freezer as a treat for overheated riders.
Aldon’s gone on long bike rides with Baboo. Sometimes I take him swimming in the afternoons. I also have a collection of toys and books that we keep here at the house for his visits. They help create that home away from home feel. And this is his home. He knows that. He has three, homes; his home with mom and dad, Pawpaw’s house and his house in Texas.
Aldon helping me at Lowe
Grandpa & Aldon
Grandma & Aldon
Dude, Me & Roo
My garden has been a great sense of joy. Aldon helps me with it. Over his spring break we went to Lowe’s and purchased an assortment of plants and vegetables, which we promptly planted. Our backyard is cloked in shade with filters of sunlight falling on the plants. Providing a soothing shield from the fiery sun. Aldon helps me water the garden in the evenings. Although we both get soaked in the process, which, of course, is part of the fun. I send him to the shower. Around eight, he pretends to go to bed. Then he and Jeff carry out a nighttime routine of sneaking out of the house to hit the bike trails. For such adventures we keep the bikes loaded in the car.
The third blessing has been seeing my children more often now that grandma and grandpa Kissell are with us. Juli lives close. We sometimes visit her after she returns from work in the evening, to share stories of our day and a cool, refreshing drink as Aldon puts it. Sometimes Juli comes to the house for a weekend meal. Our son Pat and his sweet girlfriend Sam met us for dinner the other night. We also met Sam’s parents which was a treat! Chris and Erin visited the house. For the 4th of July we’re gathering together for a barbecue. Grateful for America’s independence., particularly since Dad, Chris, Pat and my son Andy are all veterans!
Both Jeff and I had hoped to create a layback schedule for our family but found that we in turn run full tilt the moment our feet hit the floor. But it’s good to fill our days with activities, good meals, iced drinks and plenty of healthy (and unhealthy) snacks. In the evenings we unwind, sometimes sipping a glass of wine while sitting in our garden room, enjoying the garden’s lush greenery.
The plants has grown tall and beautiful, although I haven’t had the time to work the beds the way I hoped. They aren’t manicured and full of cedar mulch. Instead, my mulch consists of thick layers of leaves that insisted on falling all spring. In truth, the natural compost enriches the soil.
I’ll address neatness in the fall, when the weather has cooled and our schedule has fallen into routine. When Captain America is back in Mississippi attending school, leaving my heart a bit empty. For now, I’ve decided to simply enjoy my family and the gardens beauty. To bask in the pleasure of having my loved ones near, my horses, healthy and strong. Treasuring every day as a gift. Because everyday is a gift!
A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That, A Whole Lot of Feeling Very Blessed! Summer is progressing quickly at our house. At the beginning of the month Jeff and I were in Davie, Florida where we, saw our beautiful niece marry the love of her life.
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The People That You Love
The People That You Love
By, Louisa Cambridge
Light surrounded her. A second later, her room, her family and the bed she was lying in completely disappeared. Light was all there was, sheer white, more brilliant than the sun. She marveled at her ability to look directly at it without its intensity hurting her eyes.
Weightlessness replaced gravity, suspending her in the air. There was peace! All of her burdens, all her…
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For years I’ve dabbling with restoring furniture. I enjoy the process of taking something old and giving it a new and happy start. This hobby began when I lived in Colleyville, Texas, after Jeff and I had three water pipes burst in opposite areas of our house. If you can imagine letting a water hose run for a good hour behind your walls, you have a good indication of what we were facing. Two days later, a demolition crew literally tore the inside of the house apart. They ripped out the carpet, tore down walls and ceilings and completely gutted the kitchen. The team moved quickly and finished the whole job in under three hours. Leaving Jeff and me in utter shock! It just so happened, that we were also smack-dab in one of the coldest Januarys brought our way. The snow was so thick it was uprooting trees. I kept winter blankets on the horses for weeks. And the house was freezing cold! On the other hand, we had talked about remodeling for years, now we had our chance.
The first step to putting our house back together, was to rethink our floor plan. We wanted an open concept that gave us plenty of space for our large family to comfortably gather. This meant taking down walls around the kitchen so the dining room and living areas flowed together. I’ll never forget the morning after this was done, when I walked into the front living room and could see through a large window off my kitchen, the backyard and pasture where my horses were grazing by the fence next to our pool.
Our next task was to tackle the layout of the kitchen, aiming for plenty of storage and over all function. We were fortunate enough to have friends who had a great deal of experience flipping and building houses. They helped us with the design and steered us to an excellent cabinet maker with a vision for creating functional storage in oddly shaped places.
The next step for me, was to come up with the actual décor and ambiance for each room. I’ve always been drawn to a shabby-chic–traditional—farmhouse—Victorian blend, very eclectic, but me. For years I had saved photos from magazines specifically for a project just like this and was grateful I hadn’t thrown them out during one of my cleaning sprees.
Flipping through the photos, I took bits and pieces of what I liked and pasted them in a spiral notebook like a collage. Creating the design and color scheme I wanted to duplicate in each room. My notebook became my reference guide that I took everywhere with me. To Lowe’s, Home Depot and several trips to Sherwin Williams, where I sorted through every wallpaper book they had. I tested paint colors. I shopped antique malls and eBay for the vintage fixtures. I learned so much along the way and in the end, was thrilled with the final results
The above notebooks were actually put together for my Fort Worth house. I’m showing them as examples because I cut pieces out of my Colleyville notebook when I was moving. The following photos were taken when the Colleyville house was for sale. First we have the kitchen…
This is the window I mentioned, overlooking our backyard and pasture. Also, the red wallpaper you see on the open shelves and wall wainscoting, I used to line my cabinet shelves. Its easy to clean. Most of the time I just use a light coat of furniture polish.
The brick at the peak of both sides of the kitchen’s ceiling, is actually wallpaper. But people always thought it was real brick.
This sweet, vintage lamp hung over my kitchen sink. I moved it to my Fort Worth house
A sample of the brick wallpaper. My guests thought it was real brick
The wallpaper I used for shelves in the kitchen and the wainscoting in the family room
The tile mural over the oven
I used this wallpaper in a guest bathroom off of my kitchen. I was thrilled a few years later when I saw almost the exact design in England’s Highclere Castle, where the TV show, “Downton Abby” was filmed
This is the wallpaper with the valance I used in the bathroom
The butchers block in the corner, I used Miniwax, Provincial Stain, then covered it with a clear finish for protection. It was never used to prepare food, I just loved the look. Our cabinet maker put a large, Lazy Susan in this space, that I used to store my pots & pans. The small pull out to the right of the oven is a spice rack.
I covered the open shelves with curtains I made from a vintage, 1940 tablecloth.
When we bought this house the walls were covered in dark, oak paneling. Here’s a photo of my office as an example:
I wanted to lighten the room, make the house look cheerful. So I had the paneling painted, which gave the house a cottage feel, which I loved. I used Sherwin Williams paint, color #75702 Egret White; The woodwork is a Behr paint, color Ultra Pure White #1850.
The living room, with a wood burning fireplace. The floor throughout the entire house, with the exception of the bedrooms, was travertine tile. I loved the stone and the stone pillars in the next phots. That element of bringing the outside into the house.
This is the wallpaper I used in the wainscoting in the living and dining rooms, and in the corner shelf, by the staircase in the family room.
Living room, far left wall
Window, left of the fireplace
This is my cat Allie
Behind the stone pillars was a spacious area where I had my china cabinet and formal dining table. The rooms beyond are the kitchen and family room door, leading to the backyard porch.
The front Foyer
Front door entryway
My granddaughter Serenity
Lavender
The foyer was a perfect spot for growing African Violets
The master bedroom
I have a passion for vintage items and was thrilled when I found the antique, fireplace mantel in this photo. To heighten the vintage look, I used a Victorian style wallpaper & border. To create a serene feel, I used a soothing blend of colors, all from the same color palette: Sherwin Williams: Walls – #6218 Tradewin; Ceiling #6217 Topsoil; Woodwork #6168 Moderne White.
Wallpaper & Border
The Grandkids with our cat Allie on Christmas morning. Giving a slight view of the mirror on the mantel
The master bathroom, my favorite room.
View of the counter space
Showing the shower/tub area
Shower and tub
The tile mural is called, “Silver.” I loved it so much I incorporated it into the design of my Fort Worth master bathroom too.
Silver
  Colleyville Remodel For years I’ve dabbling with restoring furniture. I enjoy the process of taking something old and giving it a new and happy start.
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For three years now, I’ve driven passed this tree without giving it a second thought. Whenever I looked at it, I saw this tree in relation to the grove of other trees planted around it. This tree is healthy, a fruitful contributor within the society of trees.  It produces oxygen and provides homes for wildlife. It’s also pretty to look at. In fact, based upon the condition of some of the other trees growing around it, this tree is a top performer.
Last winter, when its branches were bare and freezing in the cold, this tree caught my eye for the first time. Take a closer look. 
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The branches are gnarled, growing close to the ground. One even extends along the ground for several feet.  This tree doesn’t have the physical form we’re used to seeing.  It’s different.  It’s unique, yet despite looking different, this tree performs the same tasks all trees were created to perform and its doing its job well.
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This tree has a determination to survive!  This is what drew me to it in the first place.  Minus its spread of lovely leaves, I can see its struggle.  I hear its story!
During the sapling stages of its life something bent this tree over, pressing it down.  But it survived the pressure!  It continued to grow, becoming stronger and stronger.  Although its branches and trunk are bent severely close to the ground, it grew in size, until it was thick enough to hold children and adults desiring to explore and climb it.  People who come to the park where this tree lives, utilize its shade, taking a break from the Texas heat.  Sometimes pausing for a few minutes to eat a snack, as evidenced by the discarded, plastic cup seen in the picture.  Frankly, this gnarled, odd looking tree seems to be everyone’s favorite because of its accessibility, the comfort it provides and its strength.
This tree reminds me of my daughter, my Juliann.
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If you’re reading this article… I thank you! I’m also guessing that you are a probably a mom. Simply because I have been told by medical professionals that 99% of the children they see are supported only by their moms. But that was a few years ago, so, if you’re a dad, I thank you even more, for the reason stated above and ask that you not be offended if it seems like I’m only addressing women. I’m not. It’s only because my story is delivered from a woman’s perspective.
As I began writing about my life and motherhood, a sudden flood of memories laced with lessons I learned, began to inundate my brain. Lessons, that years ago I felt strong inclinations to share with other parents who might be facing similar circumstances as I did. My children’s needs ranged from physically handicapped, to gifted, to extreme ADHD. My husband and I were also adoptive, foster parents, which opened our eyes to the effects of physical and emotional abuse in children and adults. In addition, I personally, am extremely ADHD and Dyslexic. Which I now can happily say, I have those conditions, but they DON’T have me! Inspired, I began to outline what I want to share with other parents. Therefore, this series Raising A Child with Special Needs, will be delivered in several parts, posted over a period of time.
My hope is to offer as much encouragement as I can to other parents facing similar same circumstances. I want, not only to tell my story, but to impress upon others, you are not alone in raising your special child! You are not alone in your emotions, your isolation and the immensity of you circumstances!
Years ago, a counselor told me that feelings are just that—only feelings! They are neither good nor bad, it’s what you do with you’re your feelings (how you act upon them) that matters. In a nutshell, you are not a bad person or parent because of the way you feel. And if you’re just beginning your journey down this road called special needs and can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel… I’m here to tell you, that light is there!
When I was first struck with the realization my child had significant physical differences, I felt as if I had crossed an invisible line, into an unknown world that extremely frightening.  No one else in my was, or had raised a child with special needs.  I quickly learned that my friends and family members couldn’t begin to comprehend what I was facing. Overwhelmed, I felt as if I was standing at the bottom of a huge mountain staring up at the top. I knew I had to climb to the summit but seriously questioned my abilities to so. Two, conflicting emotions tormented me; loving my baby with all of my mommy’s heart, versus absolutely NOT wanting to deal with a handicapped child and a future that was unknown. I wished the years away, wanting to be instantly transported to the summit. That place where all the questions and mysteries were revealed.
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My journey began with a seriously complicated pregnancy, resulting in a lengthy hospitalization and the two-month, premature delivery of my daughter, Juliann. I already had two little boys at home, Chris and Andy, so I knew something was very wrong when Juli’s physical development was severely delayed. A few months after she was born the diagnosis came—cerebral palsy. My head swam the moment I heard the words. In an instant I was propelled, for the rest of my life, into this world labeled handicapped. There was no way to escape, no way to determine the extent of Juli’s disability nor whether or not her cognitive skills were affected. She was a little bundle of mystery and the love of my heart. Still, I did not want to raise a physically handicapped child! I can say that now but was deeply ashamed of this truth for several decades.
Juli at four months old
Juli, Andy & Chris
My daughter’s physical differences revealed to me just how prejudice a person I really was. As a child, growing up in the latter years of segregation I never understood social prejudice. I was also submerged in the arts, my family a collection of professional artists, musicians, my mom a singer and actor, dad a television and radio broadcaster. My artistic family taught me to not to judge someone else’s lifestyle. But the moment the word handicapped was attached to my life! Now that was a different story!
Accepting my new state of being did not happen overnight. It was a process of multiply steps that continued throughout Juliann’s childhood and to some extent still today. The beginning step was the hardest regarding acceptance that Juli was different. My submission began while holding her tiny body close, kissing her infant hands, singing her songs, realizing I would do anything to keep my baby safe. Her needs took dominance over mine, and even though I didn’t want to manage cerebral palsy, I knew I would do everything I had to for my daughter.
Immediately following Juliann’s diagnosis, she had further testing to give us a better understanding of her specific needs. These tests became my second step. For the next twenty years Juli and I would have multiple doctor appointments, tests, surgery, equipment purchases such as form adjusting highchairs, walkers, wheelchairs and standers to stretch her hamstring muscles, as well as weekly occupational and physical therapy sessions. Just before she turned two, Juli had to wear glasses and an eye patch. It broke my heart, making her do this. Not just because she hated them, but because I hated covering up her adorable face. However, this treatment turned out to be excellent! By the time Juli was in the fourth grade she didn’t need to wear glasses at all.
Juli, three-years-old
Andy, Juli & Chris
Throughout most of her childhood, Juli wore braces that wrapped around her feet supporting her legs, running up to her knees. As she grew we had to have new ones made. When she turned twelve I supported her decision not to wear them anymore.  At five years old she underwent a Dorsal Rhizotomy surgery, resulting in over half the nerves in her lower body being severed. Complications resulted from that, leaving me riddled with guilt wondering if I had made the right decision, despite an extensive team of physicians at Dallas Medical Center telling me this was her best option. Next came the purchase of her first, motorized wheelchair, which meant purchasing a van with a wheelchair lift.
With each new step regarding Juliann’s development and physical needs, I went through a process or cycle of emotions.  Here’s an example of what I mean, using the purchase of our first van with a wheelchair life.  Let me start by saying, that for some reason buying that van was for me, the straw that broke the camel’s back.  I hated it! It was huge and driving it frightened me. In fact, Chris named it Europe, because of its size. But the van was a necessary piece of equipment need for our family, for Juli. Here’s the example of the process I went through: 1. Realizing that the van is necessary 2. Angry I have to buy the van 3. Buying the van 4. Angry I have to learn how to drive the van 5. Mastering my driving skills (although Juli and her brothers had to endure bumps over curbs and the denting of quite a few handicapped signs as I parked the van. 6. Acceptance
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Juli with my horse, TJ
Whether it was the need for glasses, braces, surgery, medications, walkers, ect., I went through this cycle. Sometimes several times over a span of several years, before finally reaching acceptance. I’ve learned that this cycle is similar to the cycle a person experiences when dealing with grief, Denial—Isolation—Anger—Depression—Acceptance.
Today, almost thirty-three years later, Juliann’s childhood is over. It has been a wonderful and rich journey full of joy. Yes, we faced great trials along the way. Yes, the road was rocky and riddled with potholes. Yes, it could be frightening! At one point it brought me to my knees. I was so broken from the multiple issues I was facing as a mom, drained and exhausted. That’s when I met Jesus face-to-face and He became my sustaining power.
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When I look back upon my Juliann’s upbringing and see so many things I would do differently.  I have to remind myself, that, at the time… I did the very best I could, with the abilities I was given and the tools that I possessed. That’s all any of us can do really, our best.
As parents, especially women, we need to remember to take care of ourselves, the same way we take care of our children! A little fact that gets brushed under the carpet while juggling families, work and all the other things we do in our lives.  I learned, that I could not give to my family what I myself didn’t have to give.  In other words, if I didn’t have patience when handling my kids, my kids in turn were impatient.
In Texas, the foster care system understands the importance of this need for rest. So much so, that they pay for parents to take short, overnight respites away from their house and children. I understand that leaving for the night isn’t an option for some people, finances and childcare being the main reasons. Still, everyone needs a break, especially if your raising children with special needs. Find the time and make it a priority. Search the internet for creative ideas. Most importantly, learn to discipline yourself concerning these times! Meaning don’t talk about or mull over in your mind, your children’s issues. This time is for you! Remember, even Jesus sought moments of solitude and rest.
When Juli was in the sixth grade and left the nurturing environment of our elementary school, the social implications became so negative I pulled her out of public school to homeschool. This was one of the hardest but most rewarding decisions I ever made. Particularly when her brothers decided to homeschool as well. When it was time for Juli to enter the ninth grade, she told me she was ready to try public school again. During her high school years, we utilized both inclusion (mainstreaming into regular classrooms) and resource (a classroom designed to teach alternative learning methods to children who have learning differences).  Juli made good friends, some she still has contact with. There were still some pretty grave social issues that come our way, such as the boy who asked her to the prom and at the last minute told her, he didn’t want to be seen with her in public!  Her brother Chris rented a tuxedo and proudly took her anyway!
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Despite the social implications, Juli maintained the Honor Roll and Dean’s List all four years of her high school career!
During her junior year, I began to slowly step back and let her take the lead regarding her educational needs.  She was introduced to the art of Graphic Design and discovered this was something she not only was good at but enjoyed.  One of the main appeals being the fact that her art held footing on its own.  Meaning no one could look at her art and see that she used a wheelchair.  In her senior year, she began working on her college Associate’s Degree for Graphic Design. Spending half a day at high school, the other half at the college. This was truly her first step into adulthood. I knew she was scared to death and helped her with the transition, spending time with her on campus. Together we learned how to maneuver around the school. Either my husband or I was always waiting for her in the van when her classes were over. We had to transport her to and from the campus ourselves because of her wheelchair.
After Juli graduated with her Associate’s Degree (again, maintaining the Dean’s List and High Honor Society) we moved her to Dallas where she lived on her own for the first time.  While pursuing her Bachelor of Arts, again in Graphic Design, with the Art Institute in Dallas, she found a job at a mall across the street from the school. Both school and work were centrally located by a rail station which was her means of transportation. Suddenly, Juli’s physical safety became our main concern. Twice she was hit by a car crossing the street from the Art Institute to get to the train station. Once, on her way to school, a homeless man physically attached her, threatening her life. The police apprehended him, which is a story in itself. We’ve had several instances where her wheelchair broke down stranding her on the streets of Dallas at night or early morning (still happens). These episodes propel my husband out the door to drive to her assistance. And, just encase you’re wondering, in all of the above instances, Juli came out unharmed.
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Juli wanted her senior, high school photo taken at home, with our horse Roo.
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Juli & me at her graduation from Ai, The Art Institute of Dallas
I’ve taught her to immediately call 911 if she finds herself in danger, since Dallas is now over an hour away from Fort Worth, where we now live. She does, but always calls us too. We’ll stay on the phone with her until help arrives. We’ll also stay on the phone if someone creepy is at the train station and she’s all alone at night. Her struggles are not over, they have only matured. I find the next step is taking her to the level in her independence, teaching her to lean more on herself and less on us. She’s getting there. We all are.
About three years ago we moved to Fort Worth, Juli too!  She has a sweet little loft in the heart of the city.  We adapted it for her needs.  She still travels to Dallas everyday for work, with Bank of America.  Her salary sustains her living and she has excellent health benefits. Although she wasn’t hired as a Graphic Artist, the management has taken a sincere interest in her work. They’ve also taken an interest in her. She’s learning to maneuver around a corporate setting and adjusting well. Reaping advice from her Dad who climbed the corporate ladder from the bottom to the very top with the company that is now Verizon. She is happy and healthy and becoming more independent every day. She is also my closest friend and confident.
When I look at my daughter I see an incredible woman, who has overcome more obstacles than most people could possibly imagine. She’s a tiny little thing, very petite, yet a monument in my eyes. She’s a living definition of Courage. Someone with the ability to hold her head high and persevere, despite a world that’s watching her because she’s different. Throughout her life she’s demonstrated the strength to face, not only her fears, but dangers and pain. She is also an advocate for others with special needs. An attribute that became evident even when she was a little girl in elementary school. The other SP kids were always drawn to her and because she is pretty, falling in love. She is like that tree, something beautiful to admire, full of strength and determination. She is my greatest treasure, my closest friend,my daughter, my dearest Juliann.
Next month, look for Part Two of my series, Raising a Child with Special Needs, My Struggle with Dyslexia and ADHD
  Raising A Child With Special Needs – Part One – MY DAUGHTER, MY JULIANN For three years now, I've driven passed this tree without giving it a second thought. Whenever I looked at it, I saw this tree in relation to the grove of other trees planted around it.
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